22 March 2014

You will need:
- A white tank dress or extra long singlet
- Scissors
- Needle and thread

1. The first step is to cut the back out of the tank to create the crop, so measure a line a few inches below the bottom of your bra strap when the top is on where you will cut to. Then lay the tank face down and cut out the back, following the line of the seams and the horizontal line.
2. This is how the back should look.
3. Turn your singlet over and mark the very middle of the front. Cut a straight line down the middle, as if you are cutting the opening of a cardigan.
4. Cut all the way to the bottom.
5. This is the shell of your top, you’re practically there!
6. Now Mrs mannequin is going to demonstrate how to wrap the top. Simply tie the leftover fabric in a knot and let it hang down but you can also cut it short if you like.
7. Tuck the top edges of the singlet into your bra.
8. Finally, if you like the look of the gathered straps, use your needle and thread to sew a little dart into them.

21 March 2014

Here is a commission piece I illustrated for an educational collateral in Borneo. I was given a huge list of vocab and my task was to put them all in one picture. Talk about a challenge! My inspiration for this piece was none other than the amazing Richard Scarry and his wonderful detailed illustrations I spent forever pouring over as a child!

If you would like an illustration done by moi, please email me at maiko.nagao@gmail.com! I would love to work with you!

12 March 2014

This makes a beautiful and extremely personal wedding, engagement, valentines, birthday or anniversary gift. Just print out the A4 sized pdf, and have it framed! This was for the gorgeous Ivy and her husband Chris - my Facebook competition winners.

All images and design layouts are created solely for Maiko Nagao. Please give credit to anything that you use or reference. If at any time you see work that is inaccurately credited, please let me know and I will be sure to update. If you find an item of yours that you wish to be removed from this blog, just email me and I will do so asap. Thanks!